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Global Politics and Society

The course explores political power and human connections on a global scale. The course covers concepts and ideas on the interaction of governments, organizations, and peoples across regions, cultures, and communities. The course helps students develop a global outlook on their future prospects as citizens and professionals in a globalized world.

Gen Ed: World Culture,Social Sciences 1

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

Fall

POL SCI-101

American Government and Politics

The institutions and political processes of American National government and the nature of political analysis; the Constitution, ideological and cultural bases of American politics; the role of political parties, elections and interest groups; policy-making processes in the Congress, the presidency and courts.

Introduction to Public Policy

Contemporary issues in American public policy. Substantive public policies such as those dealing with the American economy, energy, crime, environmental quality, the welfare state and social programs. Models of the policy process are also considered.

Environmental Politics and Policy

U.S. and global environmental problems and their political implications. Emphasizes U.S. environmental politics, issues and controversies in environmental protection policy, the performance of governmental institution in response to environmental challenges, and strategies for environmental improvement.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 101 or 202 or Pu En Af 202.

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

POL SCI-305

Urban Politics and Policy

Structures and operations of city governments and their responses to policy issues such as education, employment, social welfare, housing, transportation, migration, racial discrimination, urban sprawl and social inequality.

PrerequisitesP: jr st; and Pol Sci 101 or Ur Re St 100.

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

POL SCI-306

Regulatory Policy and Administration

The origins, purposes and operation of regulatory agencies and the programs in the U.S.: theories of regulation, issues and controversies in regulatory policy, and decision-making in such areas as economic regulation, public health, consumer protection workplace safety and environmental quality.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 101 or 202 or Pu En Af 202.

Credits3

Lecture

Fall

Odd Only

POL SCI-310

The American Presidency

The president's role in public policy-making. Topics include the history of the presidency, presidential elections, the nature and use of presidential power, the organization and operation of the executive office, the presidential relationship with Congress and the bureaucracy, and presidential leadership.

Congress: Politics and Policy

The role of Congress in American politics and policymaking, including the history of Congress, elections, representation, committees, political parties and leadership, rules and procedures, interest groups and lobbying, presidential-congressional relations, and the role of Congress in both domestic and foreign policy decisions.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 101.

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

POL SCI-318

Political Behavior

An introduction to political behavior that approaches the topics of elections, public opinion, voting behavior, mass media, and political socialization through the application of quantitative methods of analysis.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 100 or 101.

Credits3

Lecture

Fall

POL SCI-320

Constitutional Law

The course emphasizes the history of constitutional law in the United States through an analysis of leading Supreme Court cases that deal with government authority as well as citizen rights and civil liberties. Special attention is given to the political and historical context of major cases and the implications for public policy.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 101.

Credits3

Lecture

Fall

POL SCI-340

Political Theory

The foundations of Western political theory from the Greek polis to the 20th century. Discusses and analyzes leading political theorists in their historical contexts and in terms of their basic ideas and concepts. Attaches the study of politics to the history of Western political thought and practice.

Comparative Politics

The course examines fundamental concepts in the study of the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. It illustrates the rich diversity of political life, shows available institutional alternatives, explains differences in political regimes and outcomes, and communicates the importance of global political and economic changes.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 100 or 101.

Gen Ed: World Culture

Credits3

Lecture

Fall

POL SCI-353

Politics of Developing Areas

This course examines contemporary problems of comparative political development and changing patterns of political economy in developing areas. The main focus is on the prospects for democracy and economic prosperity after the Cold War.

Foreign and Defense Policies

Explores the institutions and political processes related to U.S. foreign and defense policies, including the international challenges facing the United States, the nation's policy goals and their evolution over time, the strategies used to achieve those goals, and conflicts over policy implementation and its success.

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

POL SCI-380

Global Environmental Politics and Policy

This course explores the transnational and international context of environmental politics and policy. Particular focus areas include the causes of environmental harm, the meaning of sustainability, and the relevance of new environmental actors on the global stage.

Public Policy Analysis

An introduction to public policy analysis and to the policy-making process, primarily in American government. The course emphasizes the political aspects of policy analysis, models and methods for rational design of public policies, and applications of policy studies to particular public problems.

PrerequisitesP: Pol Sci 101 or 202 or Pu En Af 202.

Credits1-12

Field EXP

Spring

Fall

POL SCI-497

Internship

Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.

PrerequisitesP: jr st.

Course is repeatable for credit.

Credits1-4

IND Study

Spring

Fall

POL SCI-498

Independent Study

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.

PrerequisitesP: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.

Urban Politics and Policy

Structures and operations of city governments and their responses to policy issues such as education, employment, social welfare, housing, transportation, migration, racial discrimination, urban sprawl and social inequality.

PrerequisitesP: gr st.

Credits3

Lecture

Spring

POL SCI-506

Regulatory Policy and Administration

The origins, purposes and operation of regulatory agencies and the programs in the U.S.: theories of regulation, issues and controversies in regulatory policy, and decision-making in such areas as economic regulation, public health, consumer protection workplace safety and environmental quality.

Congress: Politics and Policy

Legislative institutions and policies, emphasizing the U.S. Congress. The role of legislature in American politics; elections, representation, formal and informal legislative institutions and practices, leadership, interest groups and lobbying, and the role of legislatures in policy innovation. P: gr st. (S)